Re: Retopping an "el cheapo"
We will follow with step-by-step instructions for making a silk purse out of a sow's ear...
Were I motivated to improve a cheap mandolin, I'd start by stripping the (often too thick) top finish, then investigating bridge upgrading, perhaps ending with thinning the top by sanding from the outside. My expectations of improvement would be modest.
Assume you have a plywood instrument, so the likelihood of acoustically improving a laminated top significantly is not high. And it might make more sense to buy a mandolin kit, A-style, all solid woods, and utilize your spare time in putting that together. Would also provide an education in top carving, finishing etc.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
Bookmarks